Narendra Kumar's invitation to 'The Marriage of Shayla Patel' was a visual presentation of a movie, great bridal fantasy at LFW

A Narendra Kumar show has always been something quite out of the ordinary, as the designer has pushed his creativity to the ultimate limits. In the past, his models have appeared gagged on the ramp, marched between lines of guards, or glided to the words of a love letter.

This time around, Narendra turned a moving emotional movie of love and family into a visual/audio fashion showcase on the ramp, where he featured a wardrobe for the members of the bridal entourage.

Inspired by his imaginary muse, Shayla Patel, a writer, a strong-headed Piscean, who jets between New York, London, Zurich and Mumbai with extensive social media network; Narendra dreamt up a winter wedding trousseau for her.

With the film as the backdrop and the soulful voice-over of Kubra Sait who represented the angst of the heroine’s emotional tussle between true love and the longing for the family, the bridal trousseau unveiled in four chapters, each signifying a colour.

Chapter One - the beige line was devoted to the look of Shayla and her groom-to-be. A glamorous ivory gown with gold embellishments and an ivory double-lapel/vent jacket for the male set the mood for the rest of the show.

When it came to Chapter Two – green - men’s wear started with long jackets with placement embroidery, printed two-button coats and Sherwanis. For women’s wear, there was an assortment of pleated kurtas, ornate fish tail gowns, jumpsuit with floral prints, off- shoulder choli/lehenga/dupatta, draped collar pleated gown and peplum jackets. Slim sheaths and drop waist maxis were a great addition.

Chapter Three was devoted to blue, for double-breasted jacket with long skirt, scalloped embroidered gown, plunge ‘V’ neck maxi and an ink blue sheath. Narendra felt a printed angarkha was just the right style for men’s wear.

The final red line featured, jackets, diagonal striped blouses, flared pants, velvet gowns, anarkalis, will-power embroidered corset an artist’s smock, embroidered jacket/pant and a grand embellished choli/lehenga.

Men’s wear matched the feminine look with collarless 2-button jackets - some embroidered heavily. 

Selecting with care, Narendra zeroed in on the lushest fabrics like taffetas, silks, velvets and the timeless rich Indian textiles. He then put his creativity to the ultimate test as he dreamt up exotic and enchanting, western silhouettes for the cocktail creations that were inspired by Art Deco with a hint of ethnic appeal.

Embellishments were in the forefront, as rich embroidery in shades of forest green, blue and red glittered on the runway. The sharply cut tailored jackets; stylishly constructed jumpsuits and memorable grand Red Carpet worthy gowns completed the scintillating trousseaux.

The look for this collection created by Lakmé Makeup Expert, Sandhya Shekar was very character driven and had a personality of its own. The look was kept very bold and strong, and was inspired by the Oscars and the Red Carpet to look fabulous and glamorous.

‘The Marriage of Shayla Patel’ offered the audience a dual bonus - a great film (co-written and directed by Narendra Kumar with nephew Anirudh Raman) as well as a glamorous collection aimed at strong-willed women who at times go through emotional battles between true love and loyalty to family.